Scottie Pippen is joining ESPN as an NBA analyst, a source with knowledge of the information tells The Big Lead. The source requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter. A formal announcement is expected soon. An ESPN spokesman declined to comment.
Pippen, who won six titles as a player on the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, is expected to be on air for about 50 dates during the upcoming NBA season, mostly on The Jump — the daily NBA show hosted by Rachel Nichols that debuted last season — and on SportsCenter.
As we reported earlier this month, NBA Countdown will have its host roles split between Michelle Beadle and Sage Steele this season. Jalen Rose will remain on the show. With Doug Collins headed from a studio analyst role to color commentary on games, ESPN has still not firmed up its analyst roles on Countdown.
The source said that ESPN is “casting a wide net,” and confirmed that this has included “exploratory” talks with Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. This is logical because both are big names based in Los Angeles where Countdown is taped. However, it was characterized by the source as “less than probable” — though not impossible — that Magic would rejoin the network, and it sounds like far less of a chance that Kobe would regularly be on the program.
In-house possibilities from ESPN for Countdown spots include Chauncey Billups and Tracy McGrady.
Doubt Kobe will do one of these shows unless it was a one off. Magic used to be on Countdown but I think he had a falling out with ESPN. Both have full time businesses they run so I doubt they have much time for a show like this these days.
Doubt Kobe will do one of these shows unless it was a one off. Magic used to be on Countdown but I think he had a falling out with ESPN. Both have full time businesses they run so I doubt they have much time for a show like this these days.
Magic left the show because he didn't like they turned it over to Bill Simmons and diminished his role.
I can't see Kobe doing one of these shows. They tend to work for people who like to joke around, ribbing one another, which isn't his style.
Joined: 24 Jun 2005 Posts: 2500 Location: Inland Empire
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 1:12 pm Post subject:
lakersken80 wrote:
Doubt Kobe will do one of these shows unless it was a one off. Magic used to be on Countdown but I think he had a falling out with ESPN. Both have full time businesses they run so I doubt they have much time for a show like this these days.
Magic just couldn't relax, it was like his twitter persona on air. *bleah*
Bye. _________________ "This trophy removes the most odious sentence in the English Language. It can never be said again that 'the Lakers have never beaten the Celtics.'" -Dr. Jerry Buss (1985) R.I.P., 33 x M.V.O.
Scottie Pippen's ESPN Debut Expected to Be in Early December
The Big Lead reported in September that Scottie Pippen would be joining ESPN as an NBA analyst, but we’re a few weeks into the season and Pippen has yet to appear on-air. According to a highly placed source with knowledge of ESPN, Pippen’s start date with the network is expected be Dec. 2 on an episode of The Jump, broadcast in Chicago before a game between the Bulls and Cavaliers.
The source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information, said that although ESPN issued a press release confirming Pippen was joining their coverage, he has yet to complete the necessary paperwork. Pippen has been in Dubai this week.
Pippen and his wife, Larsa, have been in the news regarding a very public divorce. Earlier this month TMZ reported it was getting messy, but last week Scottie and Larsa were together to celebrate the birthday of one of their children.
News of Scottie and Larsa’s divorce broke in late October, right before the NBA season started. In the days that followed, two 911 calls were made public. No allegations of physical violence were made on the calls.
An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment for this story.
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